SU Interpersonal Violence
Resource Center

Relationship Violence

Violence between people in a relationship is all too common with today’s college students. It usually is a “silent” issue on campuses—it is failed to be reported for various reasons. There are several different kinds of violence or abuse in a relationship: emotional, physical, and sexual, just to name a few. It should be understood that abusive behavior, whether in a long term or dating relationship, is about the abuser obtaining and maintaining power and control over their partner*. The most important fact, however, is that no matter what, no one deserves to be abused.

As stated in the Student Code of Conduct,
Domestic Violence is defined as:

Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence by a person against a current or former spouse, current or former cohabitant, or person situated in a similar familial environment.

As stated in the Student Code of Conduct,
Dating Violence is defined as:

Committing, attempting, or threatening an act of violence against a person in a romantic or intimate relationship, either currently or formerly.

It is important to point out that Domestic Violence occurs with partners who have been in a long term relationship, more often living together with an established life. Additionally, it should be noted that with
Dating Violence a “long term” relationship has not been established; this occurs between two people in a “casual” or “dating” relationship.